Pigs to be in line of fire
Riverine Herald, Page: 8. Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Sporting Shooters’ Association Australia (SSAA) volunteers will slip into combat mode in the Top Island section of Barmah State Park this weekend to assist Parks Victoria rid it of feral pigs.
The volunteers have been enlisted by Parks Victoria to help reduce feral pig numbers in the area as part of a state-wide agreement between the two organisations.
This is the third year of a continuing program using SSAA volunteers in the Barmah State Park.
Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge Kane Weeks said there were many reasons for this action.
“Wild pigs threaten the survival of our native flora and fauna,” he said.
“They compete with our native wildlife for food, water and shelter and damage our fragile flora through their feeding habits.”
“Unfortunately, feral pigs are difficult animals to control and to be successful a variety of management methods is required.”
Mr Weeks stressed the operations area of the park would be closed to the public for both days of the operation for safety reasons.
Shepparton SSAA member Andrew McCormack said the group was honoured to help rid the forest of feral pigs.
“It’s a pretty unique opportunity and allows us to go in to places we normally don’t have access to,” he said.
For more information, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
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